College & Education in Florida

19 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

19 Resources

1. Florida College System — Open Access State Colleges — Paid

Florida's 28 public state colleges offer open admission — any adult with a high school diploma or GED can enroll, no SAT or ACT required. Programs range from industry certifications and associate degrees to bachelor's degrees, with evening and online options for working adults. Call (850) 245-0505 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM or visit fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system to find a campus in your area. One of the most affordable college systems in the nation.

(850) 245-0505 · 325 W Gaines St, Suite 1514, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

2. Federal Pell Grant & FAFSA — Free

Eligible low- and moderate-income fathers can receive up to $7,395 per year in Pell Grant funding that never has to be repaid. Filing the FAFSA is free and takes about 30 minutes at studentaid.gov. Also unlocks federal student loans and work-study eligibility. Call (800) 433-3243 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 11 PM ET. FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Use your prior year tax return to complete it. A critical first step for any father considering college in Florida.

(800) 433-3243 · Phone Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM ET; website 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Florida Bright Futures Scholarship — Free

Rewards high academic achievement with renewable scholarships worth up to 100% of tuition at any Florida public college or university. Three award levels: Academic Scholars, Medallion Scholars, and Gold Seal Vocational Scholars. Great for fathers helping college-bound teens plan ahead. Call (888) 827-2004 or visit floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Apply after your child's junior year of high school.

(888) 827-2004 · Office of Student Financial Assistance, 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

4. Florida GED / High School Equivalency Program — Free

Earn a state-recognized high school equivalency diploma by passing the GED exam. Free GED preparation classes are offered at adult education centers across all 28 Florida state college campuses and many school district programs. Opens doors to college enrollment, better-paying jobs, and military service. Call (850) 245-0449 or email flgedhelp@fldoe.org Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit fldoe.org to find a free prep class near you.

(850) 245-0449 · 325 W Gaines St, Suite 634, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

5. Florida Adult Education Program — Free

Free adult basic education, GED prep, ESOL, and adult high school completion programs offered through community centers and Florida state colleges. Classes available days, evenings, and online to accommodate working fathers. Located statewide at 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee for the state office. Call (850) 245-0450 or email floridaadulteducation@fldoe.org to find a local program. Visit fldoe.org to search by county and class format.

(850) 245-0450 · 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; class times vary · Visit Website

6. CareerSource Florida — Workforce Training — Free

Statewide network of 100 career centers offering free job search assistance, resume help, and access to paid training grants for in-demand industries like healthcare, IT, construction, and manufacturing. Register online for free at careersourceflorida.com. Located statewide with offices in all major Florida cities. Call (850) 792-5242 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM to find the nearest center. Walk-in and appointment services available at most locations.

(850) 792-5242 · 2308 Killearn Center Blvd, Suite 101, Tallahassee, FL 32309 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

7. Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation — Free

Helps fathers with physical, mental, or learning disabilities gain education and skills for employment. Services include college tuition funding, vocational training, assistive technology, and job placement assistance. One-on-one counselors build an Individualized Plan for Employment tailored to your goals. Call (800) 451-4327 or email Ombudsman@vr.fldoe.org. Office at 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee. Visit rehabworks.org to apply or find your nearest local VR office.

(800) 451-4327 · 325 W Gaines St, Suite 1144, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

8. Florida Prepaid College Plan & 529 Savings — Paid

Lock in tomorrow's college costs at today's prices for your kids with the Florida Prepaid College Plan. Plans cover tuition and dorm fees at Florida public colleges and universities. The companion 529 Savings Plan offers tax-advantaged investing for private schools and beyond. Plans start under $50 per month. Call (800) 552-4723 or email help@myfloridaprepaid.com Mon-Fri 8 AM to 7 PM. Enrollment windows open annually at myfloridaprepaid.com.

(800) 552-4723 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET · Visit Website

9. Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) — Free

State-funded, need-based grant for Florida residents enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program at a participating Florida school. Awards up to the full cost of tuition and fees and does not have to be repaid. File the FAFSA to qualify. Call (888) 827-2004 or visit floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Office located at 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee. Applications reviewed based on financial need and enrollment status.

(888) 827-2004 · Office of Student Financial Assistance, 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

10. GI Bill Veterans Education Benefits (VA) — Free

Veteran and active-duty fathers can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill to fund college, vocational training, and apprenticeships at Florida schools. Benefits can cover full in-state tuition plus a monthly housing allowance and book stipend. Call (888) 442-4551 Mon-Fri 7 AM to 6 PM CT. Apply at va.gov/education. A Florida VA education counselor can help you maximize your benefits and plan your academic program.

(888) 442-4551 · Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM CT · Visit Website

11. Florida DVA — Veterans Education Benefits — Free

Connects veteran fathers with state-specific education programs on top of federal GI Bill benefits, including National Guard Tuition Assistance and veterans' fee waivers at Florida public colleges and universities. Priority course registration is guaranteed for GI Bill recipients at Florida state schools. Located at 11351 Ulmerton Rd, Largo. Call (727) 319-7440 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit floridavets.org/benefits-services/education for the full list of programs.

(727) 319-7440 · 11351 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

12. Miami Dade College — Paid

The largest college in Florida and one of the most affordable. Eight campuses across Miami-Dade County offering associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, career certificates, and workforce training programs. Open admission for adults with a GED or high school diploma. Call (305) 237-8888 or visit mdc.edu. Main campus at 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami. Financial aid and evening classes available. One of the most diverse colleges in the nation.

(305) 237-8888 · 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website

13. Broward College — Paid

Three campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, and Pembroke Pines serving Broward County. Over 100 programs from career certificates to associate and bachelor's degrees. Evening and weekend classes designed for working fathers balancing school, work, and family. Main campus at 111 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Call (954) 201-7350 or visit broward.edu. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and veteran benefits accepted.

(954) 201-7350 · 111 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Valencia College (Orlando) — Paid

One of the top-ranked community colleges in the U.S., serving Orange and Osceola counties across five campuses. Guaranteed transfer to UCF through the DirectConnect program. Offers career certificates, AA, AS, and select bachelor's degrees. Call (407) 299-5000 or visit valenciacollege.edu. Main campus at 1800 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando. Evening, weekend, and online classes available. Financial aid and veteran benefits accepted.

(407) 299-5000 · 1800 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Hillsborough Community College (Tampa) — Paid

Five campuses across Hillsborough County and Plant City serving the Tampa Bay area. Over 200 programs including career-ready certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. Evening and online options available for working fathers. Main campus at 4001 E Busch Blvd, Tampa. Call (813) 253-7000 or visit hccfl.edu. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and veteran education benefits accepted. Workforce training and continuing education also available.

(813) 253-7000 · 4001 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Palm Beach State College — Paid

Four campuses across Palm Beach County offering career certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees at affordable tuition rates. Financial aid and Pell Grants available. Main campus at 4200 Congress Ave, Lake Worth. Call (561) 967-7222 or visit palmbeachstate.edu Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Evening and online classes available for working fathers. Veterans education benefits accepted at all Palm Beach State College campuses.

(561) 967-7222 · 4200 Congress Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33461 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. FSCJ — Florida State College at Jacksonville — Paid

Five campuses across Duval and Nassau counties in the Jacksonville area. Offers career training certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees with strong workforce programs in healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. Main campus at 501 W State St, Jacksonville. Call (904) 646-2300 or visit fscj.edu Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Evening and online options available. Financial aid and veteran benefits accepted at all campuses.

(904) 646-2300 · 501 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

18. Seminole State College (Sanford/Oviedo) — Paid

Four campuses in Seminole County serving the Sanford and Oviedo area. Offers career certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees with strong programs in engineering technology, nursing, and business. Main campus at 100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford. Call (407) 708-4722 or visit seminolestate.edu Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Evening and online classes available. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and veteran education benefits accepted.

(407) 708-4722 · 100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

19. Florida Apprenticeship Programs — Free

Earn while you learn through registered apprenticeships in over 200 occupations including construction, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing across Florida. Apprentices earn wages from day one while receiving free on-the-job training and related technical instruction. Call (850) 245-9052 or visit fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/apprenticeship-programs to find a program. Office at 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee. A great option for fathers building a career while supporting their family.

(850) 245-9052 · 325 W Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.